“Perhaps I explained myself badly,” shrugged Allegri in his Press conference. “I said that as other clubs and Coaches had been dragged into the reports, it did not seem right to talk about the future, especially as right now I am married to Milan.

“I am very pleased to hear the fans and players say they appreciate my work. It’s not necessarily true that if I at times have a difference of opinion with the President, it means we don’t get along. There is a strong rapport and after three years we are also linked by affection.

“There is dialogue and respect. Of course, then a President evaluates what happens on the field and makes his decision, but he has always called me on the phone and we have a good rapport.

“It is absolutely not true that I am ‘furious.’ We get along well despite everything that is written. At times we can have opposing views, but that is part of the sport.”

Milan take on Roma on Sunday evening and Mario Balotelli is fit to play despite missing training on Friday due to a slight bout of flu.

“Balotelli is important for Milan and for Italian football. He is doing very well and still very young, so while he has fun playing football, he also now feels that he is a protagonist for the team.

“It’s not true that Stephan El Shaarawy is going through a difficult time. He isn’t finding the net recently, but he works hard for the team. Everyone can be substituted, but the lad needs to be left in peace because his performances have all been up to standard. Tomorrow it’ll either be him or Robinho starting.

“Roma are always difficult to face and unpredictable. We are prepared for them and must be more motivated on the night. We need three points to ensure we don’t leave third place to the last round.”